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Compare cards with flight and travel credits

Get companion flights and travel rewards by using your credit card.

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Kliment Dukovski
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Some credit cards offer companion certificates or travel credits that you can use to pay for flights or incidental airline charges. You can offset the cost of the card's annual fee by taking advantage of perks offered by travel credit cards. Compare your options using our table below. Select up to four products and click "Compare" to see how their features stack up side by side. You can also click "Show filters" to narrow your search.

Name Product Welcome Offer Rewards Annual fee Filter values
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express
100,000 points after spending $6,000 in your first 6 months, plus 10x points at restaurants worldwide and when you Shop Small in the US on up to $25,000 in combined eligible purchases in the same timeframe
10x points at restaurants worldwide and when you Shop Small in the US on up to $25,000 combined in the first 6 months, 5x points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, 5x points on directly-booked flights on up to $500,000 annually, then 1x points after that and on other eligible purchases
$695

New Platinum Exclusive Offer

 One of the most valuable premium travel cards, featuring two welcome offers worth up to $7,000 based on Finder's valuation, multiple travel credits and unrivaled lounge access. Terms apply, see rates & fees
Apply now
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American Express® Gold Card
American Express® Gold Card
60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months
4x at restaurants including delivery and Uber Eats; 4x at US supermarkets on up to $25,000 annually (then 1x points), 3x points on directly-booked flights and 1x points on other eligible purchases
$250

Rose Gold is Back

 Earn up to 4x points on select purchases, a bevy of travel perks, and a welcome offer worth up to $600 based on our valuation with this upper-mid tier travel card. Terms apply, see rates & fees
Apply now
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Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
50,000 miles after spending $2,500 in the first 3 months
2x miles on eligible American Airlines purchases, at gas stations and restaurants and 1x miles on all other purchases
$0 intro annual fee for the first year ($99 thereafter)
Earn 50,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles after you spend $2,500 in the first 3 months.
Apply now
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How can I get a companion certificate or travel credit?

This depends on the card, and they usually have these perks listed in the terms and conditions. You can also call to find out how your card distributes companion certificates or travel credits. Possible ways include:

  • An annual benefit. Many credit cards give you up until 12 months or the end of the calendar year to redeem travel credits. That means these benefits can’t be rolled over to be used the next year.
  • An earned perk. In some cases, you have to meet a spending requirement, sometimes up to $30,000 a year, before you can use your flight or travel credit.
  • By request. You may have to request a companion certificate before you can use it. This could take time, so make sure you make your request before the certificate expires.
  • To use with an eligible travel partner. Read the fine print to see if your travel credit or companion certificate is limited to a specific airline.

Will redeeming a companion certificate cost me?

Yes. You’re responsible for paying taxes and fees — usually up to $99. Check with the airline you’re booking with to get the exact cost for your ticket.

What other features do these cards offer?

  • Rewards points or frequent flyer miles. Most credit cards that offer companion certificates or travel credits also earn points per $1 spent on eligible purchases. Redeem these for flights, hotels, car rentals, online shopping and gift cards.
  • Airport lounge access. Premium credit cards could also offer you airport lounge access to provide extra comfort during your trip.
  • Travel insurance. This perk can help you save on travel insurance for your trip. You usually have to pay the entire trip with the card to qualify for travel insurance through the credit card. Check your credit card’s insurance policy for full details on how to activate it and what it covers.
  • Purchase protection. Many of these credit cards offer insurance for items you buy with the card. Coverage can range from protection against accidental damage, theft or loss to extended warranties and price guarantees.
  • No foreign transaction fees. Non-travel cards come with fees up to 3% of each transaction made abroad.
  • Save on checked bags. This perk can save you up to $30 on your first checked bag on a one-way flight. Some travel cards even extend it to others traveling on your reservation.
  • Welcome offer. Some cards offer welcome offers worth $500 or more. Typically you earn one by meeting certain purchase requirements. Once you receive the offer, you can usually redeem it for flights or other travel rewards.

Are travel credit cards worth it?

How much do these cards cost?

The rates and fees for these credit cards play a huge part in their value. To work out if one will offer you top dollar for your money there are some key details to consider:

  • Annual fee. Ideally, look for a card that has an annual fee worth the same amount as your companion certificate or travel credit so they cancel each other out. If that’s not the case, make sure the card’s other benefits are worth more than what you’re paying for the annual fee.
  • Purchase interest rate. Cards that offer companion certificates or travel credit usually have higher standard variable purchase rates than other credit card options. Make sure you pay your balance on time to avoid your card costing more than it’s worth.
  • Cash advances. If you use your credit card to get cash out, buy foreign cash, gamble or make any other cash advance transactions, you’ll likely be charged a cash advance fee worth up to 5% of the transaction.

Compare travel credit cards with no annual fee

Which cards offer companion certificates equal to their annual fee?

There are two cards out there that offer companion certificates worth the annual fee:

Bottom line

The value of companion certificates or travel credits vary based on the flights or travel you choose. Other perks could add value, but general travel cards could better suit your travel style.

Start by comparing options based on your spending habits and what you want to get out of the card. Remember to check the eligibility requirements and conditions around the voucher before you apply.

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